Good/Bad News

[FloridaFishGuy]

I went to petsmart today and was gonna get a 2 gal aquarium. I desided not to though because i can save up a little more money and get a 5 gallon and maybe a little more and get a 10. So the good news is im getting a tank bigger than 2 gal but the bad news is im not getting if for another few weeks.

 

[William]

A 10 gallon is a decent starter tank, a 20 is perfect, but the wait then would be quite a while - unless you go 2nd hand and pick up a real deal!!

A 2 gallon or even a 5 gallon are very small tanks indeed, so it was a great move by you not to buy them

 

[FloridaFishGuy]

I think im gonna go with a 10 gal Hex but i dunno cuz the only place my parents will let me keep my new tank is in my room. There i have a computer desk and i was planning on putting the tank in the place where the monitor goes because my comp is broken. The only thing is that its 18"L x 16"W X 19"H and most 10 gallon and above tanks are over 18" in length but the Hex is not.

 

[fuman_chica]

My 10 gallon is rectangular, 10" L x 20" W x 12" H

I think that is the perfect size started tank. It isn't too big, but it isn't too small. According to the one aquarium calculator my ten gallon can hold up to 16.67 inches of fish. That is quite a bit of fish to start out with!!!

I personally like the rectangles better than the hexagons in the bigger tanks. But I guess it is all personal opinion. Get which ever fits better for you!

 

[FloridaFishGuy]

If i get a 10 gallon tank it has to be just the right size to fit in the area. Im gonna ask around at my lfs for the right dimensions an hopefully they will have that.

 

[suemack]

hi FishNewbie - and welcome

if you can manage - go for the 10 gallon

my first tank was a 5 and it was really hard to get the balance right (especially for my poor fish) - I still have it with guppies in but have to do VERY regular little w/changes (like every 1-2 days) and it limits what fish you can keep.

good luck and have fun

regards - sue 8)

 

[Inchworm]

Hi FishNewbie!

I'm pleased to meet you! You are very smart to have joined the forum before you actually got your tank.

By the time you are ready for fish you will have learned so much. You will already know how to cycle it and prepare it so that when you put your fish in it they will think they are in heaven!

While you are waiting for your tank and learning about fish, why not spend a little time at the fish stores in your area. Check them all out. I think you will find that often it is the little stores that are run by the owners that are the best shops to go to. (not the chain stores) Get to know the people who work there and they will help you a lot. Sometimes they even know of a customer who might want to sell a used tank. You have to be lucky, but sometimes you can get a really good bargain that way.

 

[FloridaFishGuy]

Yeah thanks for all help guys. Yeah i went to a local family owned shop today and i was amazed at all the cool stuff they had. They were really helpful but unfortunatly they mostly had saltwater fish and HUGE tanks so that wasnt all that helpful. But all the cool fish like lionfish, triggers, and all the other freaky saltwater stuff they had really made me wanna start off with a saltwater tank but i dont think thats a great idea. I think maybe when i get a bigger tank and some more experience under my belt i might tackle a saltwater tank.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi again FishNewbie

You are right. Salt water fish are not for a beginner! In fact, I've had fish on and off all of my life and I still wouldn't try it. They are very tricky to maintain and very, very expensive!!!!!

Speaking of money, I want to suggest that if it is at all possible for you to fit a 10 gal. tank in the space you have that you go for it. You will not only have the opportunity to have more fish, a 10 gal. may even cost less than a 5 gal. once you consider the costs of the hood and light, the heater, filter etc. The reason for this is because your basic 10 gal. tank is the most common tank. It is the one that is offered on sales and as starter kits with filters and other items included. If you can make the space available, it is the best value for the money.

 

[FloridaFishGuy]

Yeah thanks for the help Inchworm. Im gonna get a 10 gal but it has to be the right size so the next time i go around to lfs im gonna tank a tape measurer. I was also thinking about making a 20 gal tank that fits perfectly out of plywood and acrylic but i havnt got any posts in the DIY forums about the cost.

 

[Pufferpack]

Hi FishNewbie nice to meetcha

Is there an easy way to either remove or widen the top of the desk (mine just lifts off). if not, and that is your only available space, you could try for an 8.5 gal. It is not all that much smaller than a 10 and should fit your dimensions. I don't know how common they are, but I have seen a few advertised in the local Bargain Finder newspapers.
If money is an issue the used ads in the paper and on the bulletin boards at some fish shops are a great way to get your tank for a steal.
If you do go for a used tank be sure to ask how old it is, some tanks are only guarenteed for 5 to 10 years for leaks.
Also be sure to leak test any used tanks for a couple days before setting them up in the house, just place the tank on a newspaper in the basement or garage and fill with water. The paper will show any leakage.